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At CES 2026 Sony Honda Mobility unveiled the Afeela Prototype 2026, a low-key crossover that mirrors the Afeela 1 sedan’s front LCD visor, roof-mounted LiDAR, auto-power doors and aero wheels. SHM says a production version will reach the U.S. in 2028. The Afeela 1, meanwhile, is being trial-built at Honda’s East Liberty plant for California deliveries later this year, followed by Arizona and Japan in 2027.

Volkswagen has announced plans to add an “import fee” to the price of imported cars sold in the US later this month, in response to the 25% tariffs imposed by the US government on imported cars and auto parts. This move is one of the first clear examples of how automakers are dealing with the tariffs imposed by President Trump. Volkswagen also plans to reduce sales incentives and has halted rail shipments of cars from its plants in Mexico to the US, although sea shipments will continue. The Volkswagen Atlas and ID.4, produced at its Chattanooga plant in Tennessee, are also expected to be affected by the tariffs due to their imported components.

Toyota has teased a new US-market SUV believed to be the fifth-generation Highlander, potentially transitioning to full electrification on the e-TNGA architecture. The teaser image reveals a boxy silhouette, pronounced fenders and full-width LED taillights echoing the 2021 bZ Large SUV concept. The three-row battery-electric vehicle is expected to compete against the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, with the existing Grand Highlander continuing to serve internal combustion customers.

The 2026 Changan UNI-Z has launched on March 26 with two variants—500ar PRO and 500ar MAX—priced at 115,900 and 124,900 yuan respectively. Exterior updates include enlarged front bumper air intakes while dimensions remain unchanged at 4,730 mm long with a 2,795 mm wheelbase. Interior revisions feature a new three-spoke steering wheel and column-mounted gear selector. The model introduces the Tianshu intelligent driving assist system with added functions including reverse tracking and lane change assist, alongside upgraded voice control with continuous recognition, CarPlay/HiCar connectivity, and driver's seat massage functionality.

The 2026 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift has debuted at the Bangkok International Motor Show in both Xpander HEV and Xpander Cross HEV variants. The seven-seater MPV features a hybrid powertrain combining a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine (95 PS) with an electric motor (116 PS) for a system output of 211 PS, powered by a 1.1 kWh lithium battery. The vehicle offers seven drive modes including Normal, Wet, Gravel, Tarmac, Mud, Charge and EV, plus Active Yaw Control for enhanced stability. Measuring 4,595 mm long with a 2,775 mm wheelbase and 205 mm ground clearance, the Xpander HEV comes equipped with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, and comprehensive safety features including six airbags and ADAS, priced from 939,000 to 969,000 baht in Thailand.

The third-generation Lexus IS receives its third facelift in Thailand, retaining its 2013-era design architecture while modernizing key elements. Exterior updates include an enlarged mesh spindle grille and 'LEXUS' lettered rear badging, while the interior replaces the maligned touchpad controller with 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and touchscreen displays, plus physical buttons and wireless charging. The Thai-market IS 300h pairs a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine with E-CVT for 223 hp combined output. Chassis enhancements feature parallel rack electronic steering and upgraded AVS adaptive suspension with four-times faster linear solenoid actuators. Lexus Safety System+ adds Proactive Driving Assist, with pricing from 2.799 to 3.099 million baht.